By Rita Adu BOATENG
In today’s professional world, there is often a quiet pressure for women to adapt to certain expectations or behavior styles to be perceived as competent leaders.
Many women, intentionally or unintentionally, find themselves adopting traits typically associated with men in order to thrive in a professional environment.
But the question is: Why? Why do we feel the need to emulate someone else to succeed? This post is about embracing your true self and understanding that you don’t have to adopt masculine traits to be an effective and respected leader.
The ‘tough boss’ perception – fact or fiction?
There’s a recurring stereotype that female bosses are difficult to work with, that they are “tough” or “challenging.” Is this an accurate depiction, or is it simply a result of society trying to box women into certain roles? While there’s no universal answer, it’s important to challenge these perceptions.
Why should a woman be seen as “difficult” just for being assertive, confident, or direct? Women have the right to lead with their own styles, just as men do, without facing judgment based on outdated norms.
Authenticity over conformity
The pressure to behave like a man in a professional setting can be overwhelming for many women. However, the key to real success often lies in embracing the attributes that make us unique. Our strength isn’t about mimicking others—it’s about understanding our own leadership styles, nurturing empathy, collaboration, and emotional intelligence. These qualities are just as valuable in leadership as the stereotypically “tough” traits that are often associated with men.
Gender differences – embrace, don’t compete
While it’s true that men and women may have different ways of thinking, approaching problems, and communicating, those differences don’t create an uneven playing field. Rather, they offer opportunities for richer, more diverse perspectives. Women should feel empowered to lead in ways that work for them—there’s no “one size fits all” approach to leadership. And, most importantly, there’s no reason to try to fit into a mold that doesn’t align with your strengths.
Conclusion – Find your strength, and lead with it
As women, we don’t need to emulate masculinity to succeed in the workplace. The strength we bring to the table is often rooted in our individuality, and it’s through embracing who we are that we can truly rise to the occasion. So, to every woman in the workforce: Know thy strength. Lead authentically. And break free from the mold.
Chalom Hights – empowering the next generation of female leaders
At Chalom Hights, we are dedicated to fostering the personal and professional growth of young females. We believe that every young woman deserves the opportunity to pursue her dreams with the confidence and support she needs. Our mission is to create a nurturing environment where these individuals can access mentorship, resources, and guidance that will accelerate their journey toward success.
Our approach focuses on equipping young females with essential leadership skills, career development tools, and the confidence to take bold steps in their personal and professional lives. We understand that mentorship plays a key role in shaping the next generation of leaders, and that’s why our programs pair participants with experienced professionals who provide personalized guidance. These mentors help young women navigate challenges, set meaningful goals, and pursue their aspirations.
We also provide a wealth of resources—from workshops to networking opportunities—designed to empower young females at every stage of their development. These opportunities give them the tools they need to succeed not only in their educational journey but in their careers as well.
Our commitment goes beyond traditional career coaching. We aim to inspire a generation of leaders who are confident in their abilities, resilient in the face of adversity, and ready to make a positive impact in their communities. With the collective strength of our mentors, partners, and community members, Chalom Hights strives to be a catalyst for change, ensuring that the next generation of female leaders is prepared to excel and influence in their professional careers.
>>>the writer is a business executive with over 17 years of professional experience in Marketing, Communication and Customer Experience across FMCG, Oil and Gas and Financial Services Sector. She is the founder of Chalom Hights, a not-for-profit foundation focused on empowering female professional to achieve their full potentials and goals. She is currently the business executive for Marketing and Customer Experience for Old Mutual Ghana. She can be reached via [email protected]
